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Traffic problems grow at an intersection home to one of St. Pete largest business complexes

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Traffic problems continue to grow at an intersection home to one of St. Pete largest business complexes. Action News uncovered the number of crashes with injuries growing now month to month.

Drivers said it is not just ongoing construction that is a huge problem. 

No matter the time of day, from a commute to work to running a quick errand, a five light intersection into Carillon Parkway is a stop most drivers dread.

"It is a nightmare, they do need to do something about it," said Joseph Muller who works in the area.

Frustrations are growing by the day, with some even taking back roads to avoid the area at 28th and Roosevelt in St. Petersburg.

"That stop light cannot handle all the traffic that is going on over through," said Muller. 

Action News started looking into the problem after a viewer posted her close call and reached out to us for help.

Many driver's echoed her same concern.

"Every morning when I come to work at 6:00 there is an accident," said Charisse Dunn .

Action News checked in just a small area spanning less than a quarter of a mile: crashes with people getting hurt are on pace for a 27 percent increase from just last year.

"It is very important to have safe roads to keep everyone safe," said Dunn.

While safety is paramount, it's also hurting the average Floridian's bottom line.

State data showed crashes are up by nearly 15 percent from just the past couple of years.

That boils down to higher insurance rates.

One study found Floridians pay more than $1,000 per year in a three driver scenario. That's among the top five highest in the country.

Drivers want the situation fixed.

There has been ongoing construction. But just in June, the City Council approved a roadway project that includes a comprehensive study on issues like the light.

Raymond James, one of the top employers in St. Pete and located in the heart of Carillon, even committed $10 million towards improvements.

While all good news, drivers just need to patient. It could be up to two years before there's some real relief.